Guidance in Support of Staffing the Force

1.  There are many challenges in the Corps today and all are equally important.  As we continue to develop the future force, there is an imperative to be in the Pacific.  My published Commandant's Planning Guidance (CPG) outlined my guidance and priorities for the future, which emphasized a renewed focus on priority towards III MEF's ability to provide ready, stand-in forces in support of INDO-PACOM and Commander, 7th Fleet.  Ultimately, this requires a change of attitude about what it means to serve in the Pacific.<br>
2.  Commanding Generals, Commanding Officers, Senior Enlisted Leaders, and mentors of every rank should actively mentor and identify our highest quality NCOs, SNCOs, and officers for duty in the Pacific.  I need you to incorporate this intent into your outreach efforts at every opportunity.  Marines should first consider the opportunities to serve overseas when assignment windows dictate. <br>
3.  It is critical that Marines with OCONUS orders conduct overseas screening in a timely manner in order to avoid gapped billets or last minute orders for another Marine and their family.  When directed, I expect Marines to complete their overseas screening quickly and begin inter-action with their sponsor.  Marines should alert their chain of command and monitor if any circumstances that would preclude execution of orders.<br>
4.  Marines are "first to fight", always moving to the sound of the guns.  Every Marine is important and every assignment ultimately supports the Marine Corps mission as a force in readiness.  My priorities towards INDO-PACOM ultimately require our best and brightest to seek assignments with III MEF because the problem at hand will require our collective problem-solving skills to overcome.  In the coming years, I need each of you to make this a point of emphasis.<br>
5.  Release authorized by Gen David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps